Chapter 3
True power lies in releasing the obsession with status and validation, cultivating inner stillness, and focusing on sustainable action fueled by purpose rather than frantic ambition.
Putting a value on status will create contentiousness.
In the tech industry, there's often a high emphasis on status, be it through job titles, the prestige of working at certain companies, or the visibility of one's contributions. This emphasis can lead to a competitive and contentious environment that increases stress.
If you overvalue possessions, people begin to steal.
Overvaluing possessions in the tech context can be seen as the excessive focus on salaries, stock options, and other material benefits. This focus not only fuels unhealthy competition but can also lead to ethical compromises, cutting corners, and a culture of overwork to achieve these material gains.
By not displaying what is desirable, you will cause the people's hearts to remain undisturbed.
The constant showcasing of 'desirable' achievements in technology—such as launching high-profile projects, receiving awards, or other public recognitions—can disturb our inner peace and making us feel inadequate or pressured to perform. Reducing this display can help maintain mental wellness.
The sage governs by emptying minds and hearts, by weakening ambitions and strengthening bones.
Leadership in the tech industry can take a lesson by focusing on reducing unnecessary mental clutter and emotional turmoil (emptying minds and hearts). This could involve setting clearer priorities, reducing the emphasis on hyper-ambition, and instead fostering a culture of resilience and well-being (strengthening bones).
Practice not doing....When action is pure and selfless, everything settles into its own perfect place.
The principle of 'not doing' or 'Wu Wei' in Taoism suggests taking action that is aligned with the natural flow of events, rather than forcing outcomes. In tech, this means encouraging a work culture that values quality over quantity, and mindfulness over multitasking. When actions are taken with a focus on what is truly necessary and beneficial for all, rather than out of self-interest or for the sake of being busy, work becomes sustainable.